Paracetamol

Paracetamol

See a Doctor Find Chemist/Pharmacy

Mode of Action

Paracetamol reduces pain and fever mainly by: Blocking COX enzymes in the brain, not in tissues Boosting serotonin pain-control pathways Activating cannabinoid-related receptors through AM404 Reducing nitric oxide–mediated pain signaling That’s why it lowers pain and fever but doesn’t reduce inflammation.

Available Brand Names

Abpara Bravemol Intravenous Infusion Cetamol Fevadol Fièvrenil® Parafast

Showing 6 brands for Paracetamol

Patient Information

Paracetamol is a common medicine used to relieve pain and reduce fever. It works on the brain to block pain signals and lower body temperature.

Uses

  • Headaches and migraines

  • Muscle or joint pain

  • Toothache or dental pain

  • Fever from colds, flu, or infections

  • Period pain

How to Take Paracetamol

  • Oral tablets/syrup: Take with or without food.

  • Rectal suppository: Insert fully into the rectum.

  • IV (hospital use): Given by a healthcare professional.

  • Usual adult dose: 500 mg – 1 g every 6 hours (max 4 g/day).

  • Children: Dose based on weight (10–15 mg/kg every 6 hours, max 60 mg/kg/day).

Important: Do not take more than the recommended dose. Avoid other medicines containing paracetamol to prevent overdose.

Precautions

  • If you have liver disease, drink alcohol heavily, or are malnourished, consult your doctor before taking.

  • Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest time.

  • Check with your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Side Effects

Paracetamol is usually safe when used correctly. Rare side effects may include:

  • Allergic reactions (rash, itching, swelling)

  • Nausea or stomach discomfort

  • Liver damage in overdose

Seek medical help immediately if you suspect overdose.

Storage

  • Keep in a cool, dry place.

  • Keep out of reach of children.

 

Side Effects

Paracetamol is generally safe when used at recommended doses, but it can cause important adverse effects, especially with overdose or prolonged use.

Hepatic (Most Important)

  • Elevated liver enzymes
  • Hepatotoxicity / liver injury
  • Acute liver failure (dose-dependent)
  • Risk increased in:
    • Alcohol use
    • Malnutrition
    • Chronic liver disease
    • Overdose or prolonged high dosing

 Renal

  • Acute kidney injury (especially in overdose)
  • Rare: renal papillary necrosis
  • Chronic high-dose use may contribute to analgesic nephropathy

Hematologic (Rare)

  • Thrombocytopenia
  • Leukopenia
  • Neutropenia
  • Very rare: agranulocytosis

Hypersensitivity

  • Rash
  • Urticaria
  • Pruritus
  • Angioedema
  • Anaphylactoid reactions
  • Rare but serious: Stevens–Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis

Gastrointestinal

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Abdominal discomfort

(GI bleeding is not typical with paracetamol, unlike NSAIDs.)

Cardiovascular / Respiratory (Uncommon)

  • Hypotension (more common with IV paracetamol)
  • Bronchospasm in NSAID-sensitive asthma (rare cross-reactivity)

CNS

  • Dizziness
  • Headache
  • Rare: confusion or agitation (usually in overdose)

Overdose-Specific

  • Severe hepatic necrosis
  • Coagulopathy
  • Hypoglycemia
  • Lactic acidosis
  • Encephalopathy
  • Multi-organ failure

Antidote: N-acetylcysteine (NAC)—most effective if given within 8 hours.

Report Adverse Reactions

The PPB Department of Pharmacovigilance ensures medicine safety in Kenya.

Report suspected adverse reactions via the PPB Pharmacovigilance Web Portal or email pv@pharmacyboardkenya.org . or use the button below to report now.

Report Suspected Adverse Drug Reaction

Availability Status

Availability in Kenya: This drug is available in the Kenyan market.

References / Citations

  • Graham, Garry G., and Kieran F. Scott. "Mechanism of action of paracetamol." American journal of therapeutics 12.1 (2005): 46-55.
  • Graham, Garry G., Kieran F. Scott, and Richard O. Day. "Tolerability of paracetamol." Drug safety 28, no. 3 (2005): 227-240.
  • Freo, Ulderico, et al. "Paracetamol: a review of guideline recommendations." Journal of clinical medicine 10.15 (2021): 3420.
  • Forrest, John AH, J. A. Clements, and L. F. Prescott. "Clinical pharmacokinetics of paracetamol." Clinical pharmacokinetics 7.2 (1982): 93-107.
  • Critchley, J. A., et al. "Inter‐subject and ethnic differences in paracetamol metabolism." British journal of clinical pharmacology 22.6 (1986): 649-657.
  • Werunga, K. P., et al. "Use of combined paracetamol and low dose ketamine in pain control during change of dressings in burn patients." East African Medical Journal 88.3 (2011): 101-103.